On Watching The Wizard of Oz

For all my passion and admiration of classical films, I think it’s unbelievable that The Wizard of Oz has never been in my collection of DVD’s, especially since it’s always been one of my favorites.

In fact, back when I was still acting, I performed in a professional children's theater production of The Wizard of Oz and portrayed the character of Oz.

When I was a kid in the 1960's, The Wizard of Oz was shown on television only once a year and usually between Thanksgiving and Christmas; therefore I have always associated the film with the holidays.

So, do you know what I bought myself for Christmas this year?

That’s right, The Wizard of Oz! I purchased the 2-Disc 75th Anniversary Edition, which contains not only the movie but also a bonus disc of special features, such as: documentaries on the making of the film, outtakes, deleted scenes, and much, much more. I spent Christmas day watching SIX HOURS of The Wizard of Oz.

I laid on the floor in my warm, fuzzy bathrobe and OD'd on Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion. And oh my...was it ever fun!

What blows me away about The Wizard of Oz is the time in which it was made (1939), and how technically advanced it was for a movie back then. And what's even more impressive is that it was done without the use of digital photography or CGI. It was all created using film, clever special effects, and hands-on experimentation by some of the greatest Hollywood technicians, costume designers, musicians, and makeup artists of that time.

It is truly a masterpiece.

After watching the documentaries on the making of the film, I realized how challenging it was to get it made because they had so many setbacks with hiring different directors, accidents on the set, recasting, and difficulties in post-production. Yet, The Wizard of Oz ended up being a smashing success and one of the most beloved MGM movies ever produced.

I think this film has remained many people's favorite, not only because if the magical visual effects, but more so because of its heart-felt message. And it's a message that perhaps we don't quite catch when we are children because we're so caught up in the visual aspects that the message goes unnoticed. That is, until we're a bit older and understand its meaning.

Life is a journey of self-discovery. A journey that takes us to new places but ultimately leads us back to ourselves - home.

And that all the answers we ever need, lie within us.

Please enjoy some memorable moments from The Wizard of Oz...

More than the Wicked Witch of the West, the Flying Monkeys scared the hell out of me!

"Poppies...poppies will put them to sleep..."

"Just tap your heels together three times..."

"There's no place like home...there's no place like home...there's no place like home..."

54 comments

Lovely post, Ron. You've got me longing to see the film again. You're right about youngsters not getting the meaning of it.... all the more important for them to watch it again when they're older. I didn't realise the film was made in l939, the start of WW2. Gosh, I feel ancient now!

As an adult, I appreciate what a masterpiece it really is. As a child, I hated it! I thought it was scary, creepy, and a sensory overload. I think the tornado bothered me more than the witch, etc. I was surprised when I met my spouse and discovered his family were big fans of the movie growing up. They had Wizard of Oz toys and Xmas ornaments.

I sure missed you over the past few weeks! We get used to your twice a week posts!

Like you, I grew up with this movie, Ron, and I didn't really appreciate it's heartfelt, beautiful message until I was much older.

The film has a genuine sense of magic and wonder that is sadly lacking in today's CGI-filled extravaganzas. There are times when I really wish I could click my heels three times and go back to the home of my childhood. It's impossible, of course, but this wonderful post brings me back to those simpler, more innocent times!

Take care, buddy, Happy New Year, and watch out for the flying monkeys!

Oh Ron, I have missed your posts! I was so glad to see you in my reader this morning. I love this movie and haven't seen it in ages. You're right, it is a masterpiece! My favorite character is the Cowardly Lion, he's so cute! I remember seeing The Wizard of Oz when I was younger and being scared when Dorothy threw the bucket of water on the witch and she melted.

I love the animated pictures you used. The one of Dorothy tapping her heels together is so cool!

What a great post, Ron! I've seen this movie many times and never tire of it. It's one of those films that I think you appreciate more and more as you get older because you have such respect for the craftsmanship that went into it. Did you know that they made a 3D version of this film? I've not seen it, nor want to, because the charm of this film is in its original format.

"More than the Wicked Witch of the West, the Flying Monkeys scared the hell out of me!" Lol. Me too!

Right before Christmas, I suddenly got the longing to see it again as well. And I got very lucky because they only had ONE copy of it in the video store I shop, so I grabbed it. :)

" I didn't realise the film was made in l939, the start of WW2."

Yes, can you believe that? It was right around the time when "Gone With The Wind" was made. In fact, one of the directors (George Cukor) of The Wizard of Oz was simultaneously directing Gone With The Wind.

"It's one of those films that I think you appreciate more and more as you get older because you have such respect for the craftsmanship that went into it."

I agree. I have such respect for the amazing craftsmanship that went into this movie. Especially since watching the documentaries!

"Did you know that they made a 3D version of this film? I've not seen it, nor want to, because the charm of this film is in its original format."

Yes, I knew that they had made a 3D version of this film. In fact, I saw a trailer for it on You Tube last week. And agree with you, I don't think I'd want to see it because it looks as though they altered it too much.

" I remember my Mum and Dad taking me to see it when I was a little girl! I always wanted some Ruby Slippers!"

OMG...you are so lucky because I have never seen this film on a BIG screen, but would love too. I bet it was amazing!

Thanks so much for stopping by and for your sweet words, m'dear. And I want to say thank YOU for being my blog friend for so long. Gosh, can you believe that we've known each other for EIGHT years now?

Merry Christmas Ron! I played a munchkin in the Wizard of Oz play when I was 5! I don't remember all that much but that is where my love of acting began. I really should re-watch the classic movie that started it all for me :)

Ron, this post brought back so many memories for me as child, and also as a parent watching my own children enjoy it. The Wizard of Oz is almost a rite of passage that continues to live on and on through each generation.

Delightful post! You put so much time and care into your posting and I really appreciate that.

"I played a munchkin in the Wizard of Oz play when I was 5! I don't remember all that much but that is where my love of acting began."

OMG...that is SO cool, Shae! That's right, I forgot you also acted! I used to work with a wonderful children's theater in Florida many years ago. I was also in Cinderella and Babes in Toyland. I had such a blast!

Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you had a great Christmas! And Happy New Year!

Fabuloso post, Ron! I own a copy of The Wizard of Oz, but not the 75th anniversary edition with 2 discs. Thanks for sharing the link because I plan on ordering it. Wow, and what a great price! Everything you said about this movie is true. It's a masterpiece that will remain a classic forever. They made not have had CGI back then, but how they created what they did is pure genus. I love how the movie starts out in black and white, then goes to color, then back to black and white. Technicolor made the land of Oz look so magical!

I think it's so cool that you were in a theater production of The Wizard of Oz!

You are so welcome, Robert! And yes, can you believe that price?! I didn't purchase my copy through Amazon, I got mine at FYE and paid $20.00, which I didn't was bad at all, considering it's a classic.

"I love how the movie starts out in black and white, then goes to color, then back to black and white. Technicolor made the land of Oz look so magical!"

I too love how it went from black and white to color! And when you think of how technicolor was so new back then, it makes the movie even more amazing!

I used to work for a children's theater company in Orlando, Florida, and they put together some of the most wonderful productions. I loved doing children's theater!

Yes, is that clip not hysterical? I laugh every time I watch it. I love the Cowardly Lion's Brooklyn accent. And if you look real close, you can see Judy Garland start to laugh in the clip. It's around 1:02

I love that movie. And also remember waiting each year for it to be shown. Especially that magical moment when she steps out of the black and white house into color! I always liked the flying monkeys myself - they were victims of their circumstances! But you know what scared me - those awful animated trees that threw their own apples. Creepy! The other thing I really liked in the movie was when the munchkins sang their welcoming songs. "We represent the Lollipop Guild..." And the tiny ballerinas. I was just enchanted by all that as a kid.

Bless the souls who posted before me. LOL. Now I'm not alone in showing my age.And yes, definitely one of the treasured movies of all time. The scariness wasn't just attached to the monkeys...it happened early on in the film with that mean 'witchy' lady down the road snatching up the dog, the impending storm, the twister and bizarre moments as people and things whizzed past the windows, including the cow. LOL. But the witch tossing fire on the scarecrow, the creepy orchard trees....toss in flying monkeys, and poor Dorothy being stuck in Oz forever. Holy moly, small wonder I turned out so maladjusted. :-/And I couldn't wait to watch it again.And I knew the songs by heart.....and line after line...LOL. Definitely maladjusted and in good company!

Do I own the DVD?! Nope. I enjoy the wait, truth be told. Even that's nostalgic, yaknow?Oh, but what an awesome prezzie for yourself.WHY am I not surprised you were the Great and Powerful Oz?! LOLLotsa blowing smoke and a whole lot of noise...I've been likened to the Wizard on more than one occasion, go figure. ;-)

HA! No, you're not the only one, Mel! And even my readers who are much younger than me have also shared what a treasured movie this is. I think The Wizard of Oz is one of those films/stories that's ageless.

"... the creepy orchard trees...."

OMG...one of my other readers mentioned those and I completely forgot about them. You're both right...those orchard trees were CREEPY!

Isn't it funny though how even with all the creepy and scary things about The Wizard of Oz, it's still regarded as a sweet and heart-felt film?

"Lotsa blowing smoke and a whole lot of noise...I've been likened to the Wizard on more than one occasion, go figure. ;-)"

Yes, must be a "Libra thing" hu? HA!

Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Have a SUPER-DUPER week! And Happy Almost New Year! Can you believe it's almost 2015!?!

For years I've owned a copy of the Oz DVD which I have yet to open and watch. Guess it's because I've seen it so many times in my lifetime starting as you did watching the yearly showings on TV in the 60's.

Funny, but I too played the Wizard character for four seasons in a touring stage version of the story. Our production incorporated stage illusions as special effects. Some of the best years of my life. During the decade I toured with the company we also did staged versions of Snow White, Pinocchio, and Cinderella as well as a very brief run with an arena extravaganza featuring Flash Gordon.

Am so happy to hear you had a wonderful Christmas with Dorothy and her wonderful friends. I love this film for the reasons you mentioned. Isn't it true that those which had the most difficult times to make (e.g. Gone with the Wind, The Wizard of Oz, and so many others, turned out to be the greatest?)p.s. My niece always kids about how looking back as a child she'd throw her arms around the television while watching, and say "I love you Doroty" was a clue to her lesbianism. I helped raise her, and it was her absolute favorite film, and, yes, she was in love with Dorothy.It's hard to believe we'll be ringing in the New Year. Wishing you the very best for 2015, Ron! :))

Oh, it is so very magical! And none of the remakes compare to the original. Sounds like a super awesome day! Glad you gifted yourself. I wanted to wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR! I look forward to blogging with you in 2015! :-D

I've got that same 75th Anniversary DVD, Ron. It truly is a remarkable movie, and has held up surprisingly well. A couple of years ago Tara and I went to see a Pink Floyd cover band, and they performed "Dark Side of the Moon" live, with The Wizard of Oz playing on a screen in the background. What a great night! Have a happy new year, my friend.

I agree, Angelia. There is nothing quite like the original! I do appreciate how they've been able to restore the original through modern technology, however, they left it intact and kept that same wonderful "homey" feel that it was meant to be.

Happy New Year, my friend. And I look forward to blogging with you in 2015!

" I have a friend, however, whose surname is 'Dorothy' and she ADORES Wizard of Oz, possibly even more than you do! It's easy to buy gifts for that gal."

Ha! I had a friend in Florida who was the same way. In fact, every year he decorated his Christmas tree in a Wizard of Oz theme!

That's strange to hear about you not being able to leave a direct link because my other readers have been able to do so. I wonder if Disqus is having a technical problem today!?! Anyway, thanks for leaving me the URL to your new blog. I will be sure to stop by.

Hi Ron, First of all I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful and peaceful New Year. 2015.

I remember that wonderful movie and I too used to sit in front of the TV and watch Dorthy and Toto go up the Yellow Brick Road. The flying monkeys used to scare the hell out of me! The Wicked Witch was the second meanest Bitch in the world. (the meanest was my first wife)

I can remember sitting in the parlor with our family and watching this classic. Momma would make a giant bowl of calamari and we would sit and much and smell like fish. Then came the anitpasto and cheese, what an aroma that built up in front of the old PHILCO.

As the Tin Man and the Scarecrow and the Lion appeared the plates of pasta and meatballs would magically make their way into our movie adventure. Ah the memories of the good old days. Then just before the Old Wizard ID ed himself we feasted on Cannoli and Angenets.

After the movie was over we all drew numbers from the brown paper sack to see who would us the bathroom first. 12 people and 1 bathroom. Talking about following the Yellow brick road !!

Happy New Year to you too Ron! I always loved the Wizard of Oz too! I always watch It's a Wonderful Life & a Christmas Carol at Christmas time though. And if I can enough time without hubby around - Sound of Music!